James Cotton Profile:
Born: July 1, 1935 in Tunica MS
Known to blues fans as "Superharp," James Cotton stands tall as one of the Chicago blues scene's most dynamic performers. Trained in the art by the legendary Sonny Boy Williamson, Cotton apprenticed with Williamson and, later, Howlin' Wolf before being asked to join Muddy Waters' band. As a solo performer and bandleader, Cotton's hard-charging harp style appealed to late-1960s blues-rock fans and through the years, his numerous albums and constant touring have earned Cotton a reputation as an uncompromising and electric performer.
At The Foot Of The Master
After receiving a 15-cent harmonica as a Christmas present, Cotton learned how to play by listening to Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller) perform on the King Biscuit Time radio program on KFFA. Cotton's parents died when he was nine, and an uncle took him to see Williamson. After playing the harp master's radio theme song for him, note for note, Williamson took the young Cotton as his student.
Cotton travelled across the south with Williamson, performing in front of juke joints to draw an audience. When Williamson left him behind after moving to Milwaukee, Cotton went to Memphis, playing on Beale Street for tips. Meeting Howlin' Wolf in an Arkansas juke joint, Cotton jammed with the legend, and later toured with his band. Cotton recorded several songs for Sam Phillips and Sun Records when he was just 15 years old.
Chicago Blues
By 1952, Cotton had a radio program on KWEM in West Memphis, Arkansas and was playing regular weekend gigs. In 1954, a stranger approached the 19-year-old harp player and introduced himself as Muddy Waters. Muddy's regular harp player, Junior Wells, had unexpectedly quit and he asked Cotton to play his Memphis gig. Cotton would perform as part of Waters' band for the next 12 years.
Chess Records used Little Walter on Waters' records until 1958, while Cotton played his part on stage every night. Cotton's performance with Waters at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1961 put the harp player on the map. Cotton left Waters' band in 1966 to launch a solo career, but continued to lend his talents to Waters' records through the 1970s. Although Cotton continues to perform today, throat problems have affected his once powerful voice.
Recommended Albums: Cotton's 1984 album High Compression features the artist's best work, recorded with pianist Pinetop Perkins and guitarist Magic Slim.
